John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew

John Schumann is proud of “I Was Only 19” but he’s quick to tell you it’s not the only song he’s ever written. He’s been writing, recording and performing songs for over 40 years. It’s the journey of a lifetime. 

Back Tracks is a concert set that includes the ‘classics’, of course, but also explores John Schumann’s back catalogue - great album tracks and singles that people love but don’t get to hear live. 

Along with ‘19’ and ‘Bali’ etc, these are the songs that define him.

“When I wrote Eyes on Fire, it really struck a chord with ordinary Australians because it told the truth about how our country has outsourced everything. The clever people in the media dismissed it as retro-economics,” John said. 

“I wrote For the Children on my last tour with Redgum. I was missing our little boy and I just wanted to be home with him.” 

If I Close My Eyes was written as part of the campaign to prevent a five-star hotel being built at Wilpena Pound. It’s a love song to the Flinders Ranges.

“True Game is a reflection on AFL footy. I realised it’s the only sport that has its origins in Australia,” he said. “Every other game is an import.”

Then there’s Graduation Day, described by others as a poignant evocation of the price paid by those who serve on the thin blue line. 

“And lots of people don’t know that I recorded a version of Working Class Man. I reckon we might give that one a run too…”

On Every Anzac Day, Anzac Biscuits, Fade Away, Khe Sahn (Long Tan version), A couple from Lawson, When the War is Over, FIFO Road, Times Like These, Thunder Across the Reef, Borrowed Ground.

And more. Songs, stories - and the odd amusing opinion. One night only.